Common Debt Collection Myths
Acting on common debt collection myths can get you into financial and legal trouble. Learn your rights and what debt collection agencies are allowed under federal and state law. The Fair Debt...
View ArticleFacts About the FTC's Enforcement of Debt Collection Rules
The enforcement of debt collection rules is primarily handled by the FTC, although state agencies like the attorney general's office or the Department of Justice may enforce local laws and regulations...
View ArticleUnderstanding Your Right to Submit Complaints Against Debt Collectors
Your right to submit complaints against debt collectors and other businesses that violate regulations doesn't prevent them from trying to secure payment. But any failure by a collector to practice fair...
View ArticleFacts Regarding Consumer Debt Collection Complaints
Learn the facts regarding consumer debt collection complaints so you'll be prepared if a debt collection agency uses illegal collection measures. Know your consumer rights under the Fair Debt...
View ArticleYour Right to Stop the Sale of Your Debt to a Debt Collection Agency
You may be able to stop the sale of your debt to a debt collection agency by simply contacting your creditor. Many creditors prefer to avoid the expense and inconvenience of dealing with collection...
View ArticleYour Right to Written Notice From Debt Collectors
Your right to written notice from debt collectors covers your initial notification of collection and the following communication with the debt collection agency or agent. Keep copies of any written...
View ArticleHow to Exercise Your Right to Dispute Debt
If you're wondering how to exercise your right to dispute debt, start by filing a dispute letter with the debt collection agency. Do this within 30 days of receiving your validation notice (which...
View ArticleThe Laws That Uphold Your Right to Fair Debt Collection
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is among the laws that uphold your right to fair debt collection, specifically covering personal, family and household debts (but not business debts). If...
View ArticleFixing Incorrect Information on Your Credit Report
You can dispute incorrect information on your credit report. If you apply for a loan, job or rental property, are seeking insurance coverage or are financing a mortgage, incomplete or incorrect...
View ArticleCredit Reporting Services for Landlords and Businesses
Landlords and businesses sometimes use credit reporting services for tenant screening or employee background checks, and such use is regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).Employee...
View ArticleCredit Reporting Time Limits
When assembling your credit report, credit reporting agencies (CRAs) must abide by legal credit reporting time limits that bar certain information from appearing in your credit history after sufficient...
View ArticleCommon Credit Reporting Flaws
Critics claim that credit reporting flaws and unreliability can make consumer credit reports and credit ratings untrustworthy. Credit reporting agencies (CRAs) can assist lenders and other businesses,...
View ArticleThe Purpose of Credit Reporting
The purpose of credit reporting is essentially to evaluate the risk of doing business with a person or company. Government regulators and oversight groups may use credit reports to examine a company's...
View ArticleUnderstanding Commercial Credit Reporting
Commercial credit reporting is much like consumer credit reporting, but tracks the history of business transactions rather than personal ones. Your business can use commercial credit reports to...
View ArticleThe Basics of the Fair Credit Reporting Act
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) outlines your rights regarding consumer reports, including credit reports. While consumer credit reporting agencies (CRAs) can collect and sell information about...
View ArticleAn Overview of the Three Major Credit Reporting Agencies
Credit reporting agencies (also called credit bureaus) gather information on your finances and sell it to other businesses, such as credit card companies and lenders. Three main reporting agencies...
View ArticleRepaying Your Debt Effectively: Coming Up With a Plan to Repair Your Bad Credit
If you're suffering from a poor credit score due to adverse financial circumstances, don't panic. Repairing your bad credit can seem like an insurmountable task--but through discipline and...
View ArticleThe Importance of Timeliness: How Late Payments Impact Your Credit
Credit cards are instrumental in building up a strong credit history, as long as you use them properly and make payments on time. Late payments won't only incur fees: They'll lower your credit score...
View ArticleRepairing Your Bad Credit: Creating a Budget
Creating a budget is essential to organizing your finances and lowering your debt. If you don't track how much you earn and spend, it's easy to start living beyond your means and building up...
View ArticleAvoiding Credit Card Debt: Coping With Your Debt
The best way to keep your credit score in good shape is to avoid accumulating large amounts of debt and ensure that you make monthly payments on time. Taking certain steps can help you avoid credit...
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